The basic jist of the article for those who don't click on the link: Tut's mummy is now exposed to all, concealed in a glass airproof case. Apparently, the tourists who crowded the tomb were causing the mummy to deterioate quickly-when they exhaled, it was affecting Tut in such a way that if it continued, he would turn to dust.

SO!

Dr. Zahi Hawass and his league of extrodinary gentlemen covered the mummy in an airproof glass; yes, he's still in his own tomb, but once you visit it, you can also see the mummy, making a more enjoyable experience for you Egyptophiles out there!

Personally, I have mixed feelings about it, considering Tutankhamun is my favorite Pharaoh. However, if this is truely for the best, to preserve him and prevent him from being lost to us forever...then I'm all for it.

By the way...his actual BODY is covered, all you see is his head and feet. But still, his head is the best preserved.

There was an article in today's L.A. Times that said much the same, that the mummy would be in a case in his tomb, and that only the head and feet would be visible. Evidently, the breath of the tourists caused an increase in moisture and more humidity, and Hawass said that within 50 years the mummy would turn to dust.
I really can't accept that statement, though. The mummy is in the original sarcophagus (although it is not sealed) so I would think it would be protected somewhat from the breath of the tourists. Sounds like it's more of a justification on Hawass' part to increase tourism.
I must say that I think it is a shame that the mummy is so exposed to view. I know that there are many in the Cairo Museum, and I have no objection to those. But having Tut still in his own tomb in my mind, at least, makes it more of a final burial place than an ancient Egyptian tomb. After all, there are no great works of art on the walls that have to be preserved for history! It's his final resting place, and in my opinion should be treated as such. Why not close the tomb and seal it completely. Make a replica that tourists could see. Leave Tutankhamen (what's left of him!) alone.

Joined:Mon May 09, 2005 9:22 amPosts:574Location: The palace of Tutness!

And another thing, those mummies in museums...lost thier burial places or the tombs are decaying and falling apart. Some of them are, I believe.

With Tut, his tomb is still in "good" condition, if ya wanna call it that. Therefore, his mummy being there-and the ONLY king still left in his tomb!-makes it much more meaningful. It does kind of irk me that this sacred place...ain't so sacred anymore.

Tourism isn't bad, persay. However, are not bodies supposed to be IN thier coffins, not ON TOP of it? O_o I mean, come on! At least keep him in the coffin if yer gonna do this! I would be mad if they displayed my remains on a piece of freakin' plywood! Geez...

Joined:Mon May 09, 2005 9:22 amPosts:574Location: The palace of Tutness!

Just like doctors, the majority of them are in it for the money, not the practice-in other words, not for just the pleasure of seeing people get well. Use a 3,000 year old kid's corpse for entertainment purposes-

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